some level... remember when you got a biology degree? no, cause you didn't. Tom is a Tff,er.

some level... remember when you got a biology degree? no, cause you didn't. Tom is a Tff,er.

If I follow you are referenceing the 'Tom' from the article? Regardless of his background he was utilized as the mouthpiece for the data inquiry. This doesn't impact the data findings.

I have no idea what Senko was talking about. If he thought my post was bashing the program or Tom, it wasn’t.

The new ShareLunker app has detailed description of how to submit genetic information for you catches over 8lbs. It'll help them better understand how ShareLunker genetics are spreading through our lake systems. It's a pretty simple process. The more data these guys have, the better the program will be. I plan to participate in 2020. Now I just need a pile of 8lb+ fish!

Great article on the success of the SAL program and how it has helped a mudhole like Marine Creek produce two giants (and other DD bass) that otherwise would have never happened.

I have been a long time supporter of the SAL program. Yes, I know there have been some flaws to the program and many fish have died while in captivity. Anytime a large bass dies in captivity it is kind of like the NFL kicker that misses the game winning field goal. The whole fishing community hears about it. Many of these fish over 13 pounds are old fish, 10-15 years of age that may very well have died anyway after being caught, handling for pictures and released back into the wild. How long do you think these fish live??

My point is that nobody would ever know if they died after being released back into the lake.

I have said it before and I stand by my statement that bass fishing in Texas is better in the long run because of the SAL program. All lakes peak in 15-20 years then begin to decline as a fishery. I know there are some of you that theorize that if you leave the bass alone in their natural environment they will grow to massive proportions and every year they will keep getting bigger & bigger. After watching a bunch of lakes in Texas over the past 50 years I am here to tell you that the chances of you catching a 25# five fish bag is much greater today than it ever was before the program started in Nov of 1986. The efforts of TPWD are largely the reason.

Ray Hubbard is a prime example. I caught a 7lb 7oz bass in a high school event in Jan 1975. It made the front page of the Dallas Morning News. Seven pound bass were rare animals in the 70's and even 80's at Hubbard, Cedar Creek, Tawakoni. A 5# bass raised eyebrows back then. Now a 7 pounder doesn't get a second look. Why do you think that is? Do you think just because the lake is 50-60 years old they finally started growing bigger bass?? Doesn't work that way folks.

The Florida genetics from the SAL bass have enhanced the overall health in most of the lakes in our state. I am a firm believer that if it weren't for Florida genes spread into other Texas lakes from the SAL program, you would see five fish events won with 12-15 pounds like the 80's. If you want to see evidence of how much better the bass fishing is in TX, go to a lake out of state that has never had any Florida genes introduced. Five fish 20# pound bags are unheard of.

This is absolutely correct and very well stated.

some level... remember when you got a biology degree? no, cause you didn't. Tom is a Tff,er.

I’m not trolling here, it’s a serious question because I’m not near as “aged” as some of you guys. I have an older buddy (65) that talks about the old days and after the tournaments, there was traditionally a giant fish fry with ALL of the bass that were caught. I’ve never asked him what year this stopped, but I know it was sometime in the 80’s. I’m sure the SAL program has helped some areas, but what about just regular conservation from over the years?


Again, I wasn’t fishing back when these were being caught. The fish at Fork that have the records, they were regular Florida strain, not hybrids? If the SAL genetics are helping so much, how come nothings being topped?


Keep in mind, I’m not in North Texas, so I’m not sure how much influence the SAL program has on Falcon, Amistad, Choke. Seems like we are solely dependent on rain, which never seems to fall around here.

I’m not bashing the SAL program, because I’m sure it has helped some lakes like Ken mentioned; but I’m a bit skeptical that it makes fishing what it is across the entire state. If the SAL is 100% paid for by an outside source (like Toyota) then it’s a no brainer. If it’s paid for with state funds, it might need an overhaul.